On this day in 1965, Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov, leaving his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes, becomes the first person to walk in space. The term "space walk" is somewhat misleading because astronauts float in space. Note that the formal name for a space walk is Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The astronauts float, whether they are inside or outside the spacecraft. Sometimes the astronauts use seat belts, foot restraints, and other devices to keep their bodies still so that they can perform work tasks when they are inside the spacecraft. An astronaut who is preparing for a "space walk" must wear a pressure suit because there is virtually no air pressure at 200 miles altitude. The astronaut must also have an oxygen supply for breathing. One method is for the astronaut to remain connected to the spacecraft through an "umbilical hose." This hose supplies the astronaut with oxygen.

Little Astronauts

Build A Rocket

1. Follow the link.
2. The instructions on the link call for a film canister. These are nearly obsolete with the age of digital cameras. You can try a mentos gum container, or any other small container without a screw-on top.